Overview

• Fiji are already through, leaving Samoa needing a five-point return against the Flying Fijians to leapfrog Tonga and reach the Denver semifinals.
• The USA must beat Japan with a bonus point and prevent the Brave Blossoms from earning one to stay alive for the semifinals and the most direct World Cup route.
• Round Three is set for Samoa vs Fiji in Rotorua and USA vs Japan in Sacramento, with squads named and kickoffs confirmed for Saturday local time.
• Jason Damm captains the Eagles as Benjamin Bonasso sits out, while Eddie Jones’ Japan arrive after a 57–15 win over Canada and minimal changes to their lineup.
• Officials are appointed with Takehito Namekawa refereeing Samoa–Fiji and Craig Evans taking USA–Japan, ahead of semifinals in Denver and the final in Utah; the fifth-place playoff offers a direct Australia 2027 berth.